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Walsh mistreated animals

Atascadero

I’m appalled by the article “Gone but not forgotten” (March 4) about Cindy Walsh. I was a volunteer when the animals were seized from her because of her cruelty and helped with their adoption. I also adopted one.

The conditions the animals were removed from were horrendous and caused lifelong damage. Walsh occupied a tiny house with more than 130 animals indoors. Dead dogs were stashed in a freezer. Workers entered wearing hazmat suits and respirators and still couldn’t breathe comfortably. Walls had to be replaced because they had been saturated with urine.

The Walsh dogs required treatment (some were beyond treatment) for rotting mouths, missing eyes (from fighting over food and infection), ear mites and flea infestation, skin ailments (one came in hairless, but the coat came back eventually), malnutrition, fur matted with feces, respiratory issues from breathing urine, and other untreated illnesses. My rescue had ears full of growths that caused perpetual infection and deafness. Many of the animals required surgery aside from spaying/neutering. The birds suffered severe emotional and health issues from deprivation; most were featherless.

Eric Anderson at the shelter did a great job. Owners are always charged for their impounded pets. Walsh was informed from the beginning of fees that would accrue. Do the DMV or IRS make concessions? Walsh exhausted the system, causing her prisoners to suffer longer. The severe overcrowding at the shelter caused other homeless animals to be euthanized.